A tool is a device used to make cold joints between two wires by either deforming one or both of them to hold each other respectively.
An example of crimping is affixing a connector to the end of a cable. For instance, network cables and phone cables are created using a crimping tool to join RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to both ends of the phone.
Crimping tools are multifunctional. They compress, bend, cut and strip. They are designed to work with particular cable, wire, pipe sizes and some models work.
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Types of Crimp Tool
There are various types of applicator tools available and each of them have their own pros and cons. Here we will discuss various categories of them.
Handheld
Handheld tools are widely used and easily available in the market. They’re cheap and versatile. These tools range in size from those designed for high precision work, which sit easily in the palm of a hand, to models more than a foot long that offer the leverage required for heavy-duty.
Handheld tools are manually operated, portable and are used for items which are small in size. They look similar to pliers with clamps.
Electrical
Applicators do not require much of an effort to sort of apply the pressure required as they bring with them the additional battery power to models. Various other models of electrical equipment meet varying requirements and are very easily available, some even come with ergonomic fittings and ratchets.
Hammer
Hammer crimpers are a basic, low-cost device, and are best for those who only need a tool occasionally. It is a robust and compact tool that can withstand tough environments and is found in automotive shops and wherever else heavy-duty tools are required.
Benchtop
Benchtop models are bulkier, higher capacity variations designed to be mounted on workbenches to accomplish more demanding tasks.
Hydraulic
Hydraulic crimp tools require very little to operate, with their compression power supplied by hydraulic fluid. They are best for repair, maintenance and industrial applications.
Material of Tools
These tools are mostly made of steel. Carbon steel is highly durable, although a modified version of it, namely high carbon steel is better for increased hardness and toughness.
Handheld tools usually have plastic or rubber grips on the handle for added comfort. On cheap tools, this can be quite thin and prone to splitting.
The crimps are made of metal and are usually shrouded in nylon. A tool squeezes the crimp, forming a secure joint between cable and terminal.
Uses of Crimp Tools
These tools are mostly used in the metalworking process. It is critical in many varieties of applications such as for rapid but lasting electrical connections, securing lids on metal can foods and many other applications.
This tool is also a must for Do it yourself and hobbyists in their toolbox. It is also considered a jack of all trades tool.
Crimp beads are specifically made to manufacture jewelry connectors. A crimp lead looks to present a graphic indication of interference at that particular time of securing a utility meter or mark of sale on containers.
When a terminal is crimped to a wire, micro connections enable the flow of connection. While it might seem that a tighter crimp is better, over-tightened will reduce the wire cross section. Quality crimps should last a decade.
Types of Terminals
Terminals specifications can vary greatly, it is important to check the type of material and terminal specified by the terminal manufacturer.
Terminals are devices designed to terminate a conductor that is to be affixed to a post stud, to establish an electrical connection.
Ring Terminals
Ring terminal is a round-ended terminal that easily allows a screw or stud to be attached. Ring terminals are ring connectors and come in various sizes. The ring terminal has to be compatible with wire gauges and stud sizes. Ring terminals are crimped or soldered to the terminal wire.
Spade terminals
Spade terminals are called spade connectors because of its shape. A spade terminal is available in various sizes depending on the gauge of the wire and the stud size. The open-ended spade terminal is convenient to allow easy attachment or removal from the screw.
Hook terminals
Hook terminals are used to connect with an open end. Hook Terminals offer a durable connection for a variety of projects.
Quick-disconnect terminals
As the name implies, quickly-disconnect terminals provide quick and easy connect and disconnect for two wires.
Bullet terminals
Bullet terminals make an easy, reliable and secure connection. Bullet terminals connect with the male and open ended round female connectors creating a high-quality connection. If you want to avoid corrosion or any other harmful material, this is the best to use.
Butt terminals
Butt Terminal connects or terminates single or multiple wires. Butt Terminals help prevent abrasion and cutting. This extra protection helps keep out moisture, corrosion, and other negative elements. Butt Terminals serve as a simple solution to extend wires due to the ability to mate and connect wires.
Flagged terminals
Flagged terminals are flag connectors which provide convenient and secure connection. Flagged terminals are designed to work in tight spaces as well as when a quick-disconnect is too large.
Pluggable terminals
Pluggable terminal blocks are those that have a cable entry to allow these types of terminal blocks to be very useful in situations in which hot-swapping may be important or a connection is expected to be removable for servicing or inspecting. Screw contacts are the most common type of connection method for inserted cables, but the screw often has a small metal plate attached to the end, which allows for gripping of both small and large cables.
Conclusion
In this article, we discuss different types of crimpers, uses and how to use them. In the last, types of terminals were also briefed shortly.